Shaving instrument and enclosureholder therefor



Aug. 27, 1957 cs. OBOLENSKY SHAVING INSTRUMENT AND ENCLOSURE-HOLDERTHEREFOR Filed Oct. 12, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR G UY OBOL ENSIKYBY ATTORNEY Aug. 27, 1957 G, OBOLENSKY 2,803,874

SHAVING INSTRUMENT AND ENCLOSURE-HOLDER THEREFOR Filed Oct. 12, 1954 2Sheets-Sheet 2 III INVENTO R GUY OBOLENSKY SHAVIN G INSTRUMENT ANDENCLOSURE- HOLDER THEREFOR Guy ()bolenslry, Yonkers, N. Y., assignor often percent to l. Jordan Kunilr, New York, N. Y.

Application October 12, 1954, erial No. 461,792

6 Claims. (Cl. 30-43) This invention relates to shavers, and moreparticularly to improvements in manually operated dry shavinginstruments and in enclosures therefor.

One type of manually operated dry shaving instruments for removingwhiskers and hair from the face and other parts of the body comprisesgenerally a rotatable cylinder mounted on a hand held frame and made ofthin hard steel mesh that rolls over the skin. Hair that protrudesthrough the perforations of the cylinder are cut by the edge of a bladelying longitudinally within the cylinder adjacent the inner surfacethereof.

In previous dry shavers, many difficulties have been experienced inobtaining satisfactory having results especially since the cuttingblades were improperly positioned, and the various means for holding theinstruments did not provide the user with any satisfactory guide forkeeping the cutting blade aligned in the proper position relative to thesurface to be shaved. Also, previous dry shavers have required expensiveand inconvenient enclosures which added considerably to the cost of theinstrument.

The dry shaver of the present invention obviates the foregoingditficulties and provides an improved arrangement for mounting thecutting blades, and an enclosure for the instrument which alsocooperates to align the blades in the optimum relationship relative tothe surface to be shaved, whereby superior shaving results are obtained.

Also, means are provided for positioning the cutting blades in such amanner that their edges are suitably urged against the inner surface ofthe rotating mesh cylinder whereby closer cutting of the hair isachieved and a selfsharpening action is continuously maintained.

I also provide an enclosure for the instrument which is made ofinexpensive molded material and which in ar ranged to serve also as aholder when the instrument is open for shaving, and provides the optimumshaving position relative to the cutting blades.

. The features of novelty which I believe to be characteristic of myinvention are set forth herein and will best be understood, both as totheir fundamental principles and as to their particular embodiments, byreference to the specification and accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a perspective diagrammatic view of the enclosure for theinstrument, when closed;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, wherein the enclosure has beenopened and the shaving instrument is in the shaving position;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of the variouselements of the instrument and enclosure and of the mounting elementstherefor;

Fig. 4 is a somewhat enlarged, cross section view of the assembledinstrument in a closed position taken in approximately line 44 of Fig.1, some parts being shown in elevation;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the enclosure open to itswidest extent; and

Fig. 6 is a View similar to that of Fig. 5, with the enclosure open andthe instrument locked in shaving position.

Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail, the enclosure forthe instrument comprises a pair of molded cooperating sections orshells, generally designated 7, each made of a suitable thermosettingplastic, metal, or the like, and having a floor 8, end walls 9, a sidewall 10, and an upper curved upper wall 11. Positioned between end walls9 is a longitudinal strut 12.

The pair of shells 7, which are identical in form, are joined pivotallyby means of pin 13 extending through respective pairs of hinges 14molded on the outer edge of strut 12, said hinges being spaced apart andinterfitting with each other to form a single pivoting enclosure for pin13.

A fiat spring blade 15, whose ends are accommodated by suitable recessesin floor 8 of the two respective shells '7, is bent so that its centerportion urges against the interlocking hinges 14 of strut 12. The endsof spring 15 are adapted to urge outward to cause the upper portions ofshells 7 normally to remain closed, as seen in Fig. 4. Below hinges 14,shells '7 have cut away slopes 16 which permit the pair of shells toopen at the top when pressure is applied to the lower part of side walls1%.

Accommodated within the enclosure formed by the pair of shells 7 is acylindrical frame 17 which may be made of any suitable material such asmetal or plastic. In one embodiment it is made of a molded nylonmaterial having a low surface coefiicient of friction. The longitudinaldimension of frame 17 is somewhat less than the distance between theinner surfaces of end walls 9 to permit the lateral movement of theframe relative to hinges 14.

Frame 17 is mounted over a coiled metal spring 18, the bottom of whichfits into longitudinal recesses 19 in both struts 12. Frame 17 has apair of recesses 20 at both ends which accommodate upwardly extendingears 21 of spring 18, the arms of the latter normally urging frame 17upwards (Fig. 3). The top of frame 17 has a longitudinal slot on eachside of which there is mounted a cutting blade 22 maintained in positionby respective pairs of longitudinal lips 23 and 24. The cutting edges ofblades 22 are directed toward each other across said slot (Fig. 5),although in some embodiments they may be arrayed in opposite directions,and in other embodiments only one blade may be utilized.

Mounted rotatably around frame 17 is a very thin metal mesh cylinder 25having a plurality of circular ridges 26 between which are arrayed aplurality of fine screen like slots 27 through which hairs protrude tobe severed by blades 22. In some embodiments slots 27 may take the formof small holes of circular or other suitable shapes, for providingcutting leverage for hairs.

When frame 17 is made of molded nylon, lip 24 may be arranged to providean outward spring-like action against blade 22 to cause its edge to bearobliquely against the inner surface of cylinder 25 to provide a goodcutting and self-sharpening action.

Extending outwardly from each end of frame 17 is a horizontal bridge 31having at each end a tongue 32, said bridge and tongues being adapted toengage respective recesses 33 on the insides of end walls 9. Bridge 31may be molded integrally with frame 17, and in some embodiments may beprovided only on one end of frame 17.

Recesses 33 have adjacent lower and upper arcuate sections 34 and 35,respectively, separated by a pro ection 37, which serves as a lockinglip for tongues 32 of bridge 31 as well as a cam in closing theinstrument, as will be described hereinbelow.

In operation, the shaving instrument is: assembled as shown in Fig. 4,where shells 7 are shown in a closed position. Each bridge 31 ispositioned in the lower por-.

Patented Aug. 27, 1957.

tion'of recesses 33 in walls 9, spring 15 urging the floors 8 outwardthereby keeping upper curved walls 11 closed while projections 37,acting as cams, press inward to urge bridge. 31, and accordingly frame17, downward against spring 18. The strength of spring 15 exceeds theforce. of spring 18 whereby shells 7 enclose and protect the instrumentwhen not in use.

When it is desired to utilize the instrument for shaving purposes, thelower portions of walls of shells 7 are pressed by the fingers therebycausing the upper curved wall portions 11 to separate, as shown in Fig.5, and permitting the upward movement of frame 17 and cylinder 25 underthe action of spring 18. Tongues 32 move freely past projections 37until the upward movement of bridge 31 is limited by the arcuate curvedportion 35 of recess 33. When pressure is now released from the lowerportions of walls 10, the action of spring will cause the upper portions11 of shells 7 to come together and each tongue 32 of bridge 31 will be.locked between projection 37 and arcuate portion35 of recesses 33. See

Fig. 6. In this position, a portion of cylinder has emerged from theenclosure and protrudes sufficiently beyond the open shells to permitblades 22 to perform the shaving action.

The shaver is now in condition for use, and when the enclosure isgrasped at the central and upper portions of walls 14) of shells 7,thereby aiding the locking action between tongue 32 and lip 37. As theshaver is rolled with a modicum of pressure against the skin, theassembly of frame 17 and cylinder 25 will be prevented from {etractinginto the enclosure by the stopping action of ips 37. i 7

It will be understood that bridges 31 may be molded or otherwise mountedon frame 17 in positions other than shown in the drawing to cooperatewith recesses 33, whereby more or less of cylinder 25 will protrude fromthe enclosure to the desired degree when the instrument is in theoperating condition.

After the shaving operation has been completed, the lower portions ofwalls 10 of shells 7 are again pressed (see Fig. 5) at which time lips37 separate from tongues 32 of bridge 31 sufficiently to permit the userof the instrument to push down on cylinder 25 against the action ofspring 18 whereby bridge 31 will descend into the arcuate section 34 ofrecesses 33. As pressure is released from the lower portions of walls10, spring 15 will separate cutaway portions 16 whereby upper curvedwalls 11 close pivotally as shown in Fig. 4; During the closingoperation, lips 37 will also produce a camming action against the uppercurved surface of bridge'31, thereby producing a downward pressure uponbridge 31 and, accordmgly, upon cylinder 17 and barrel 25 against theaction of spring 18. i

It is to be noted that when the instrument is in the shaving condition,as shown in Fig. 6 asuificient amount of cylinder 25 is exposed topermit blades 22 to engage and cut hairs that protrude through slots 27.Because of the limited separation of the upper edges of shells 7, theuser of the instrument is required to hold it at the optimum shavingangle relative to the skin. Although only one blade 22 may be utilizedin some embodiments, when two blades are used, their cutting edges maybe directed generally toward each other. Therefore, when the instrumentis moved in a reciprocating path, it will perform the shaving action inboth directions without the necessity for shifting the angularrelationship of the instrument to the surface of the skin.

It is also provided in some embodiments that lip 24 is somewhatresilient so that it may urge the cutting edge of blade 22 against theinner. wall of barrel 25, thereby prcventing hairs from slipping pastthe blade, while at the same time a self-sharpening action is obtained.

' Ifframe 17 is made of molded nylon, it serves asa substantiallyfriction free bearing for cylinder, 25 which. is rotated by frictionalengagement with the skin. In some all) embodiments, frame 17 maycomprise a skeletal structure provided, however, that bridges 31 aresuitably supported at either end thereof. In either case, the insidediameter of cylinder 25 is slightly larger than the outer diameter offrame 17 to permit the free rotation of the former. The mounting of eachblade 22 is arranged to provide optimum frictional engagement withcylinder 25 without impeding the rotation of the latter.

Blades 22 may be replaced when the instrument is in the condition shownin Fig. 5, by pushing the old blade with the end of a new blade, therebyforcing the old one to leave the slot between lips 23 and 24 while thenew blade enterstherein.

The structure of the present invention provides for interengagingelements on the dry shaver instrument and the enclosure therefor, whichcooperate to position the instrument in operating condition and,alternatively, to secure the instrument enclosed in its container whennot in use. It is contemplated that the cooperative structures definedherein may be adapted in form to accommodate other types of instrumentswhose holders may also serve as their containers.

In other embodiments, spring 15 may be omitted and its equivalentfunction may be performed by a resilient tab attached to an end wall ofone of shells 7 extending over to the end wall of the. other shell andengaging an indexing indentatiomfor. maintaining the container closed.

In the specification, I have explained the principles of my invention,and the best mode in which I have contemplated applying thoseprinciples, so as to distinguish my invention from other inventions; andIhave particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed the part, mode orcombination which I claim as my invention or discovery.

While I have shown and described certain preferred embodiments of myinvention, it will be understood that modifications and changes may bemade without departing from the function and scope thereof, as will beclear to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A dry shaver comprising a frame, at least 'one cutting blade mountedlongitudinally on said frame, a perforate cylinder rotatably mountedaround said frame and cooperating with the cutting edge of said blade, apair of shells pivotally connected to each other and forming anenclosure chamber for said frame and cylinder, means on said frame andmeans on said shells adapted to cooperate with each other to permit onlya partial protrusion of said frame and said cylinder from within saidchamber.

2. A dry shaver comprising a frame, at least one cutting blade mountedlongitudinally'on said frame, aperforate cylinder rotatably mountedaround said frame and cooperating with the cutting edge of said'blade, apair of shells pivotally connected to each other and forming anenclosure chamber for said frame and cylinder, means on said frame andmeans on said shells adapted to cooperate with each other to permit onlya partial protrusion of said frame and said cylinder from within saidenclosure, first spring means mounted be tween said shells and saidframe for normally urging said frame and cylinder outward from saidenclosure, and second spring means for normally urging said shells intoa closed position when said frame has been retracted into said enclosureagainst the action of said first spring means.

3. A dry shaver comprising a frame, at least one cutting blade mountedlongitudinally on said frame, a perforate cylinder rotatably mountedaround said frame and cooperating with the cutting edge of said blade, apair of shells pivotally connected to each other and forming anenclosure chamber for said frame and. cylindcr, spring means connectedtosaid shells and acting thereupon to normally keep said chamber closed,second spring means positioned between said shells and said frame forurging the latter to emerge from said chamber when the shells are openedagainst the action of said first spring, interengaging means on saidframe and on the inner walls of said shells cooperating on the one handto prevent said frame from emerging completely from said chamber, and onthe other hand to prevent the retraction of said frame into said chamberwhen the instrument is in use.

4. A11 enclosure for a work instrument comprising a pair of shellspivotally connected to each other and forming a chamber between them,means for normally main- ;taining said chamber closed, an instrumentpositioned within said chamber, means on said shells for holding saidinstrument and pushing said instrument at least partially out of saidshells when the chamber between them is opened, engaging means on saidinstrument, engaging means inside said shells adapted to cooperate withsaid first mentioned engaging means when said chamber is opened toprevent the retraction of the instrument into the chamber when pressureis applied thereto.

5. An apparatus comprising a pair of shells pivotally connected to eachother and forming a chamber between them, spring means connected to saidshells and acting thereupon to normally keep said chamber closed, a toolpositioned within said chamber, means positioned between said shells andsaid tool for urging the latter to emerge from said chamber when theshells are opened against the action of said spring, interengaging meanson said tool and on the inner walls of said shells cooperating on theone hand to prevent said tool from emerging completely from said chamberand on the other hand to prevent the retraction of said tool into saidchamber when the tool is in use.

6. A dry shaver comprising a frame, at least one resilient longitudinalmounting on said frame, a cutting blade in said mounting, a perforatecylinder rotatably mounted around said frame and cooperating with thecutting edge of said blade, said mounting being adapted to urge thecutting edge of said blade toward the inner surface of said cylinder,whereby a self-sharpening action is produced upon said cutting edge, apair of shells pivotally connected to each other and forming anenclosure chamber for said frame and cylinder, means on said frame andmeans on said shells adapted to cooperate with each other to permit onlya partial protrusion of said frame and said cylinder from within saidchamber.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,296,044 McClure Sept. 15, 1942 2,373,711 Satz et al Apr. 17, 19452,637,902 Malmberg May 12, 1953 2,645,847 Slonek July 21, 1953

